Urgent Care Vet, Vermont South
Think this might be an emergency?
If your pet is struggling to breathe, has collapsed, is actively seizing, suspected poisoning, or is bleeding heavily, go directly to your nearest 24-hour emergency hospital.
If you’re unsure, please call us so we can guide you, see your pet promptly, and help stabilise them before deciding on next steps.
Call 03 996 87771
Walk-in available in business hours
Free tele-triage available after-hours
When to come in for Urgent Care
If your pet is vomiting, limping, not eating, suddenly uncomfortable, injured, or behaving differently than usual, don't wait. Bring them into Urgent Care.
If you can, call us ahead of time so we can be ready for you. If that’s not an option, just bring your pet in and we’ll be happy to take care of them.
486 Burwood Hwy, Vermont South VIC 3133
Signs your Dog needs Urgent Care
- Vomiting repeatedly or unable to keep water down
- Diarrhoea that’s ongoing, bloody, or getting worse
- Sudden limping, stiffness, or reluctance to move
- A bloated or painful-looking abdomen
- Eating something they shouldn’t have (toys, bones, medication, food scraps)
- Unusually lethargic: quieter, not greeting you, not interested in food
- Persistent coughing or laboured breathing
- Signs of pain: pacing, restlessness, yelping, difficulty getting comfortable
Signs your Cat needs Urgent Care
- Not eating for more than 24 hours (even if they seem fine!)
- Straining in the litter tray or visiting frequently without producing urine
- Hiding more than usual or a sudden change in behaviour
- Rapid breathing or breathing with the mouth open
- Repeated vomiting
- Sudden weakness, wobbliness, or collapse
- A hunched posture or sensitivity when touched
What to expect when you come in to Urgent Care
1. Arrival and initial check
We bring you into a consult room and perform a brief triage. If your pet appears unstable (for example, difficulty breathing, extreme pain, or collapse) we focus on that first.
2. History and discussion
I’ll ask specific questions about what you’ve noticed: about symptoms, appetite changes, mobility changes, any recent diet changes, toxin exposure, or previous medical history.
3. Physical examination
We will check heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature, hydration, abdominal comfort, joint mobility, neurological responses, and any areas of visible pain or swelling.
I’ll also explain what I’m finding as we go so you’re not left waiting in the dark.
4. Immediate care if needed
If your pet is uncomfortable or unstable, we address that first: pain relief, fluids, oxygen support, or wound care. I won’t move on to diagnostics before your pet has received immediate care.
5. Diagnostics and decisions
If bloodwork, imaging, or other tests are needed, I’ll explain what each test helps us determine and how the results influence treatment.
We’ll always discuss options and costs clearly before going forward with diagnostics and treatment. The last thing we want is for you to get surprise bills.
6. After-treatment care
You’ll leave knowing exactly what to do next, whether that looks like medication, hospitalization, future appointments, or monitoring at home.
tips, and treats for your pet.
